Expectations run amok when it comes to the Blackhawks. Three Stanley Cups in six seasons tend to do that to a franchise.

Heading into next season, the two brightest stars on the team, Jonathan Toews and Patrick Kane, will have the added burden of trying to prove they're worthy of the dual eight-year, $84 million contract extensions they signed a year ago that kick in for the 2015-16 campaign.

"I've thought about it a little bit so far this summer," Kane said during the Hawks Convention at the Hilton Chicago. "You want to make sure especially with the short summer you're coming back in shape and ready as possible … because you know you're going to have that expectation and accountability to … live up to that contract."

The deals carry cap hits of $10.5 million per season and the combined $21 million equate to more than 29 percent of the team's space under the league's limit of $71.4 million. That has helped push general manager Stan Bowman into cost-cutting mode and, as a result, turnover of the roster this summer has been significant with the departures of Patrick Sharp, Brandon Saad, Antoine Vermette, Brad Richards and Johnny Oduya, among others.

"Front and center is the contracts for Kane and I (that) are kicking in and that's where everyone is kind of looking — I understand that," Toews said. "The two of us have worked hard to own up to that and the pressure will be on us maybe more than it has been in the past. We've been up for challenges like that before and we're ready for this one too."

Still, few begrudge the stars their deals. The dynamic duo not only has led the way to success on the ice, it has been at the forefront of the resurgence of the franchise since coming on to the scene for the 2007-08 season. Each has three Cups and a Conn Smythe Trophy on their resumes and at ages 27 and 26, respectively, should be just reaching their peak seasons. Their star power off the ice has made the Hawks one of the most popular sports organizations in North America.

President John McDonough called the extensions for Toews and Kane "a great investment" and said there is no danger complacency will set in.

"They're grounded, they're humble, they're respectful, and they're appreciative to be Blackhawks," McDonough said. "They know that the task at hand is we're going to try to continue to keep winning. They know there's a lot of responsibility and that they are pillars of our franchise. The horizon is going to be very interesting."

The raises from the matching five-year, $31.5 million contracts signed in '09 are significant but won't affect the pair's desire level, according to Toews.

"There's a lot of work left for us to do," the captain said. "We're enjoying these best years of our career right now. This is the time to get the most out of what you can do on the ice. The two of us have kind of proven to each other and our teammates … to never be satisfied and to continue trying to take advantage of every opportunity that comes your way.

Jonathan Toews talks about the offseason changes in the Blackhawks' roster.

Jonathan Toews talks about the offseason changes in the Blackhawks' roster.

"As soon as the next season starts everyone tends to forget about what happened last year and it's time to go to work again. We've shown we can do that and we know given the fact we just lost … important teammates and the focus is on us and our contract that there is more pressure than ever."

Added Kane on his and Toews' commitment and desire: "I don't think it will change, just like it didn't change from our first contract to our second contract. It's nice to have a deal like that. It's nice to be locked up for a long time here in Chicago."